Chapter Four: The Morning After

The sunlight filtered through the dormitory window, gently rousing Yue from a deep slumber. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he shot up in bed, a realization dawning upon him. Panic surged through him as he glanced at the clock, confirming his worst fear – he had overslept and missed the first day of classes at Tiong Se Academy.

In his haste to get ready, Yue noticed that Alexander was nowhere to be found. Instead, a surprise awaited him on the small table in their shared space – an array of snacks, drinks, and a note.

Curiosity mingled with apprehension as Yue picked up the note. Alexander's distinctive scrawl greeted him, the words written with a surprising warmth that contradicted the coldness that Yue had come to expect.

"I didn't wake you up because you might get angry. Instead, here are some snacks and drinks. I know you might hit me if I wake you up, but I'm still hot. Love, Alexander."

Yue's eyebrows furrowed at the unexpected mix of playfulness and consideration. He couldn't deny the sincerity beneath Alexander's words, though his own emotions remained guarded.

Intrigued and a bit bemused, Yue picked at the snacks and sipped on the drink. The room felt strangely quiet without the usual tension that accompanied their interactions. As he prepared for the afternoon classes, Yue couldn't shake the lingering impact of Alexander's gesture.

Later in the day, as the two found themselves in the same classroom, Alexander grinned as Yue entered, clearly having anticipated the delayed arrival.

"Rough morning, huh? Don't worry; I saved you a seat," Alexander teased, gesturing to the chair next to him.

Yue, maintaining his stoic expression, acknowledged the jest with a curt nod before taking the seat. The classmates around them exchanged glances, having witnessed the unusual camaraderie between the two.

As the class progressed, Alexander engaged in casual banter, attempting to break through Yue's icy exterior. He recounted anecdotes, shared jokes, and tried to draw Yue into conversation. Despite Yue's initial resistance, a subtle shift occurred – an acknowledgment of the efforts made by his persistently upbeat roommate.

In the midst of the classroom chatter, Yue found himself responding, the walls around him cracking ever so slightly. Alexander's audacity to challenge Yue's cold facade, combined with genuine warmth, opened a door to a realm of possibilities neither of them could have anticipated.